ATC N05 — Psycholeptics

Lorazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used in adults for the short-term treatment of anxiety, status epilepticus and procedural sedation. It potentiates GABA-A signalling, with relevant dependence and cumulative sedation risks.

Alprazolam is a short to intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used in adults for the short-term management of anxiety disorders and panic disorder. It potentiates GABA-A signalling, with a relevant risk of dependence on prolonged use.

Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic used in adults for generalised anxiety disorder. It acts as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, with minimal sedation, no muscle relaxation and a low risk of dependence.

Temazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine used in adults for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It potentiates GABA-A signalling, with a moderate half-life suited to sleep maintenance and a relevant dependence risk.

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic used in adults for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It selectively potentiates GABA-A receptors at the alpha-1 subunit, with a rapid onset and short half-life suited to sleep induction.

Eszopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic used in adults for insomnia, including sleep onset and maintenance. It modulates GABA-A receptors with a moderate half-life that supports overnight sleep without long next-day residue.